■ Montessori students learn through handson experience, investigation, and research. They become actively engaged in their studies, rather than passively waiting to be taught.
What Makes M on t e s s o r i D if f e r e n t ? Montessori schools are not completely different from other schools. Over the last century, Dr. Maria Montessori’s ideas have had a profound and growing influence on education around the world. However, while individual elements of her program are finding their way into more classrooms every year, there is a cumulative impact that we see when schools fully implement the entire Montessori model, which creates something quite distinct. ■ Montessori schools begin with a deep respect for children as unique individuals. They work from a deep concern for their social and emotional development. ■ Montessori schools are warm and supportive communities of students, teachers, and parents. Children don’t get lost in the crowd! ■ Montessori consciously teaches children to be kind and peaceful. ■ Montessori classrooms are bright and exciting environments for learning. ■ Montessori classes bring children together in multi-age groups, rather than classes comprised of just one grade level. Normally, they span three age levels. Children stay with their teachers for three years. This allows teachers to develop close, long-term relationships with their pupils, allows them to know each child’s learning style very well, and encourages a strong sense of community among the children. Every year, more non-Montessori schools adopt this effective strategy. ■ Montessori classrooms are not run by the teachers alone. Students are taught to manage their own community and develop leadership skills and independence. 6
■ Montessori challenges and sets high expectations for all students, not only those considered ‘gifted.’ ■ Students develop self-discipline and an internal sense of purpose and motivation. After graduation from Montessori, these values serve them well in high school, college, and in their lives as adults. ■ Montessori schools normally reflect a highly diverse student body, and their curriculum promotes mutual respect and a global perspective. ■ Montessori assumes that children are born intelligent; they simply learn in different ways and progress at their own pace. The Montessori approach to education is consciously designed to recognize and address different learning styles, helping students learn to study most effectively. Students progress as they master new skills, moving ahead as quickly as they are ready. ■ Montessori students rarely rely on texts and workbooks. Why? Because many of the skills and concepts that children learn are abstract, and texts simply don’t bring them to life. Also, in the case of reading, many reading series fail to collect first-rate and compelling stories and essays; instead, Montessori relies upon hands-on concrete learning materials and the library, where children are introduced to the best in literature and reference materials. ■ Learning is not focused on rote drill and memorization. The goal is to develop students who really understand their schoolwork.
■ Students develop a love for the natural world. Natural science and outdoor education is an important element of our children’s experience. ■ The Montessori curriculum is carefully structured and integrated to demonstrate the connections among the different subject areas. Every class teaches critical thinking, composition, and research. History lessons link architecture, the arts, science, and technology. ■ Students learn to care about others through community service. ■ Montessori teachers facilitate learning, coach students along, and come to know them as friends and mentors. ■ Students learn not to be afraid of making mistakes; they come to see their mistakes as natural steps in the learning process. ■ Montessori students learn to collaborate and work together in learning and on major projects. They strive for their personal best, rather than compete against one another for the highest grade in their class.
“When the children had completed an absorbing bit of work, they appeared rested and deeply pleased. It almost seemed as if a road had opened up within their souls that led to all their latent powers, revealing the better part of themselves. They exhibited a great affability to everyone, put themselves out to help others and seemed full of good will.” - Maria Montessori ©Tomorrow’s Child Magazine Montessori 101: Special Issue • www.montessori.org